Thermal Energy and Heat Transfer

Front

What is thermal energy?

Back

Thermal energy is the total kinetic energy of the particles in a substance, which is related to its temperature.

Front

What is heat transfer?

Back

Heat transfer is the movement of thermal energy from one object or substance to another due to a temperature difference.

Front

What are the three methods of heat transfer?

Back

The three methods of heat transfer are conduction, convection, and radiation.

Front

Define conduction.

Back

Conduction is the transfer of heat through direct contact between materials, where faster-moving particles transfer energy to slower-moving particles.

Front

Define convection.

Back

Convection is the transfer of heat through the movement of fluids (liquids or gases) caused by differences in temperature and density.

Front

Define radiation.

Back

Radiation is the transfer of heat in the form of electromagnetic waves, such as infrared radiation, without the need for a medium.

Front

What happens to particles in a substance as it heats up?

Back

As a substance heats up, its particles move faster and spread apart, increasing the substance's temperature.

Front

What happens to particles in a substance as it cools down?

Back

As a substance cools down, its particles slow down and come closer together, decreasing the substance's temperature.

Front

How does thermal energy transfer from a hot object to a cooler one?

Back

Thermal energy transfers from a hot object to a cooler one through conduction, convection, or radiation until thermal equilibrium is reached.

Front

What is thermal equilibrium?

Back

Thermal equilibrium is the state in which two objects in contact with each other reach the same temperature and no heat flows between them.